A pastor must manage many responsibilities--budgets, counseling, sermon preparation, leadership development, vision casting, teaching, preaching, discipline--the list goes on and on. I have met many pastors who have experienced stress and burnout over these duties, and even those whose marriages and children suffered.
Being a pastor is difficult work. One of my friends in church jokes that I only work on Sundays and Wednesday. I only wish! The job centers around people--often hurting people. It takes time and effort and much prayer to determine the best action to facilitate healing and encouragement. Sometimes I can get tired. The danger in all this can be when a pastor gets so overwhelmed that he (or she) become cynical--even doubting God's power and authority.
I guard myself from the dangers of doubt and stress by realizing that I can't do it all. It is important for me to raise up godly men and women to help with the load. I also set aside time to pray and seek God. Also, I take my day off religiously--if not, my family suffers greatly. Finally, I don't think the whole church's survival is rooted in me. It is God's church--the incarnation of Jesus' body. He builds the church; I serve Him. I don't mean to suggest that biblical pastoring is easy or absent from hard work. It is work. But, I rest in this truth: when it gets difficult I know that God is my great Burden Bearer. With Jesus, His "yoke is easy and [His] burden is light."
So as I approach this busy season of Christmas with all the celebrations, musical, meetings, parties, and so on, I have peace and joy in knowing I am living the balanced ministry life--thank you God!
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